Would the summer addition of this Rangers centre-back solidify Arsenal’s back-line?

Rangers centre-back Madjid Bougherra is a reported target for Wenger this summer, as the Frenchman looks to ‘beef up’ his back-line for next season’s campaign.

The Algerian international was recently quoted in the Metro stating:

‘Rangers offered me a chance to extend my contract by another two years, but I politely refused, I have spent three wonderful years in Glasgow and I want a new challenge.’

This has fuelled speculation that Wenger, who has been interested in the 28-year-old Algerian in the past, might try to persuade him to come to the Emirates this summer.

However, Is Bougherra what Arsenal truly need, or is Wenger just trying to save a buck or two to satisfy the club faithful?

The former Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday centre-back is renowned for his tough tackling and seems as if he is ready to come back to England after three years in Scotland.

Our current centre-backs haven’t had the best of seasons. With Thomas Vermaelen missing most of the campaign through injury, and Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci struggling to adapt to the Premier League. In my opinion, our best defender by a mile is Johan Djourou, who before his shoulder injury, was absolutely superb.

Wenger has been strongly linked with moves for Gary Cahill, Christopher Samba and Phil Jagielka, but the asking price for all three have proven to be a problem for Wenger.

However, everyone wants the Frenchman to splash the cash, so why doesn’t he just do it?

In my opinion, Wenger is far more likely to make a move for a cheaper and underrated defender, rather than a quality one this summer.

I don’t think Bougherra would be the best signing for Arsenal this summer. Yes, he is hard tackling defender which we certainly need, but he isn’t the best option out there for the club. His positional awareness is not great, and his lack of pace may prove to be a problem in the Premier League.

I think if Vermaelen is fit for the entirety of next season, then our defensive record will be a whole lot better, especially with the addition of either Gary Cahill or Christopher Samba, who are already established Premier League defenders.

These are the kind of defenders I’d love to see at Arsenal next season, not Madjid Bougherra.

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